Union protests Walmart employee treatment

Walmart was the site of a union protest yesterday as representatives of the United Food and Commercial Workers 8 (UFCW8) – a labor union representing grocery workers and other commercial employees – picketed outside the store.

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By John Bowman

Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

By John Bowman

Posted Oct. 18, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Updated Oct 18, 2012 at 10:37 AM

By John Bowman

Posted Oct. 18, 2012 at 10:26 AM
Updated Oct 18, 2012 at 10:37 AM

YREKA

Walmart was the site of a union protest yesterday as representatives of the United Food and Commercial Workers 8 (UFCW8) – a labor union representing grocery workers and other commercial employees – picketed outside the store.

About six protesters carrying signs reading “This grocery store is non-union” picketed in front of the store’s main entrance from about noon to 3 p.m. handing out fliers and asking shoppers to “consider shopping at our union stores – Raley’s and Rite Aid – next time.”

Shoppers had mixed reactions to the protesters. Some completely ignored them, refusing to acknowledge their presence or take the fliers being offered, while others listened politely to their requests before continuing into the store. Some patrons lingered long enough to engage in conversation with the protesters.

One woman took a flier and stopped in front of the entrance to read it before entering. After reading it the woman said she had changed her mind about shopping there and returned to her car and left.

Another shopper, who chose not to give her name, told the Daily News that she feels labor unions result in less productivity and higher prices. “That goes for all of the industries they’re involved with,” she said.

UFCW8 President Jacques Loveall said Walmart is a threat to local independent retailers and to the living standards of workers.

“We are taking these actions because Walmart is the single biggest threat to the living standards of workers in the retail industry,” said Loveall in a statement Wednesday.

The fliers handed out by the protesters yesterday make several allegations about Walmart’s treatment of employees. One flier alleges, “Walmart drops healthcare for part-time workers ...”

Fogleman said, “Where Walmart stores are built, they become a catalyst for new businesses.” He asserts that the stores become a focal point in communities and other businesses find adjacent properties to be attractive locations for “complimentary goods and services.”

Fogleman also claims that Walmart’s employee turnover rate is lower than the industry average. He believes that the success of Walmart stores indicates that “shoppers recognize Walmart’s role in their communities as a leading employer and value the selection and affordable pricing that we offer.”

Page 2 of 2 - Loveall said the union, as part of its “Your Bread and Butter” campaign, is holding similar actions against Walmart stores in cities across most of the state.